Severe weather warnings issued for ice and snow in North East this weekend

Ross Robertson

Weather experts are warning of hazardous conditions as forecasts show the heavy rain is due to give way to ice and snow.

The Met Office said outbreaks of sleet and snow will spread across parts of Southern Scotland and northern England this morning, continuing into the afternoon before clearing east into the North Sea by evening.

Icy patches are also expected to appear on untreated surfaces from Friday evening onwards into early Saturday morning.

Up to five inches of snow (f-10cm) is expected on high ground, with one to 3cm expected in some lower level areas.

Drivers and passengers are being warned of difficult driving conditions and a risk of disruption to transport services.

The severe weather warning comes after predictions the UK is facing an Arctic blast next week, bringing heavy snow and freezing temperatures across the country.